Fluorescent and magnetic nanocomposites of Y 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ , Dy 3+ and Fe or Fe 3 O 4

Eu 3+ and Dy 3+ codoped Y 2 O 3 (Y 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ , Dy 3+ ) based bifunctional nanocomposites were fabricated by solid-state route. The magnetic component of the nanocomposites is Fe or Fe 3 O 4 . The composition and microstructure of the nanocomposites were studied. The results indicate that nanocomposites are mainly consisted of Y 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ , Dy 3+ nanorods and Fe (or Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles. The length and diameter of the nanorods are in the size range of 500–1500 nm and 80–150 nm, respectively. The size of Fe or Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles is about 20 nm. A probable formation mechanism of nanocomposites has been analyzed. The fluorescence and magnetism of nanocomposites have been evaluated based on the influences of amount of raw materials.